Jaguar debuts a "Firesand" orange F-Type in North America

We learned all there is to know about the all-new Jaguar F-TYPE convertible at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. To add a little excitement to the North American debut of the car at last week's L.A. Auto Show, however, Jaguar showed its newest drop-top in a set of bright orange duds.

Jogging your memory quickly, the F-TYPE is the spiritual successor to the E-TYPE, one of the most iconic and visually-stunning cars of all time. While the convertible may or may not fill the monstrous boots of its predecessor, it is a dynamic two-seater in its own right. With nearly 500-hp on tap in its most powerful S tune, the F-TYPE's 3,521 pounds (1,597 kg) fire off to 60 mph (95.6 km/h) in as little as 4.2 seconds.

The model that Jaguar showed in L.A. is the 380-hp V6-powered S version with special-order Firesand paint. It also features the optional Design pack, with body-colored side sill extensions, front aero splitter and gloss black color-keyed rear valance, along with interior and exterior Black packs, which add gloss black accents and trim inside and out.

We've already covered the F-Type in depth, so we won't list off its specs all over again. The big story here is that it has made it to North America and has a new set of "Firesand" clothes to show for it. It will go on sale toward the middle of next year.

I wasn't the biggest fan of the F-Type when I first saw photos of it. So maybe it was the bright lights of the show, or my weary, sleep-deprived eyes, but it looked a helluva lot better in person. The Firesand color suits it well, in my opinion. Decide if you agree or disagree by taking a look at our full gallery.

Upon graduating college with a poli sci degree, Chris toiled in the political world for several years. Realizing he was better off making cynical comments from afar than actually getting involved in all that mess, he turned away from matters of government and news to cover the things that really matter: outdoor recreation, cool cars, technology, wild gadgets and all forms of other toys. He's happily following the wisdom of his father who told him that if you find something you love to do, it won't really be work. All articles by C.C. Weiss